Jasprit Bumrah continued his outstanding form in the first Test between India and England at Leeds. He bowled 24.4 overs and picked up five crucial wickets, conceding just 83 runs and delivering five maiden overs. His spells were sharp and consistent, making him the standout bowler of the innings.
Bumrah vs Brook: A Battle of Grit
One of the most exciting contests during the innings was between Bumrah and England batter Harry Brook. Although Prasidh Krishna eventually dismissed Brook for 99, Bumrah admitted the Englishman gave him a tough time.
Speaking to the media after Day 3, Bumrah said, “I think fate had decided on 99 for him, because he got dropped a few times after (the no-ball) as well.”
Brook began Day 3 confidently. He smashed Prasidh Krishna for a six in the first over, then followed it up with a beautiful cover drive for four off Bumrah. He looked set to score a century—his second at home and ninth in just 26 Tests. But when he reached 99, he mistimed a pull shot off Krishna, and Shardul Thakur caught him in the deep.
A Lucky Escape on Day 2
Brook had some luck on his side too. At the end of Day 2, he mishit a hook shot off Bumrah and was caught—but the delivery turned out to be a no-ball, saving him from a duck. Later, he was dropped on 46 and 82, with Rishabh Pant missing an edge behind the stumps and Yashasvi Jaiswal failing to hold a tough chance in the slips.
Still, Bumrah gave credit to Brook for his batting approach. He said, “He assessed the conditions well, he fancies his game and plays an aggressive style of cricket. He makes you think he can play an aggressive shot but he can shut up shop as well.” Bumrah also added, “Full credit, he played really well and we’ll try to have better plans in the next innings.”
Match Situation After Day 3
Brook’s near-century helped England post 465 runs, a strong reply to India’s first innings score of 471. At Stumps on Day 3, India reached 90/2, leading by 96 runs heading into Day 4.